2012

She Figures 2012
The 2012 She Figures report shows women are still under-represented in EU Research. The number of female researchers in Europe is increasing, the under-representation of women in scientific disciplines and careers still persists. Women represent around 40% of all researchers in the Higher Education Sector, but female researchers still struggle to reach decision-making positions with, on average, only one woman for every two men on scientific and management boards across the EU. For more on She Figures, click here.

2006

She Figures 2006
The 2006 instalment in the “She Figures” series updated the figures from the 2003 report, and examined the situation in an enlarged EU. The report showed that despite some growth in the numbers of women (0.3%) in scientific research between 1998 and 2004, numbers of male scientists increased at a higher growth rate (2.0%), and that women are still significantly under-represented at the top levels of scientific careers.
For more on She Figures and EU statistics, click here.

2005

European Platform of Women Scientists (EPWS)
Founded in 2005, the European Commission-funded organisation was set-up to serve as an umbrella organisation for the many existing women in science networks throughout Europe. The EPWS provides a structural link between women scientists and research policy makers.

2005

European Charter for Researchers & Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers
The charter called on employers to provide a flexible working environment for both male and female researchers, allowing them to combine work and family life in a balanced way. It also asked that a representative gender balance at all staff levels across academia and industry be set as a goal.
Click here to download a copy of the European Charter for Researchers (PDF, 271kB)

2003

She Figures 2003
A subgroup of statistical correspondents was formed within the Helsinki Group with the aim of gathering extensive and internationally comparable statistics on women in SET across Europe. Their findings showed that in each of the participating European countries women were less likely to be found among the higher levels of academic and research careers. The report also examines participation by women on scientific boards, and the distribution of research funding by gender.
To view the She Figures statistics from 2003, 2006 and 2009, click here.

2002

Helsinki Report on National policies on women and science in Europe
The Helsinki Group was established by the European Commission in 1999 to provide a forum for discussion on national policies regarding women in science. This report collated information on the policies established in 30 countries.
While the report acknowledged the considerable diversity among the countries examined in terms of infrastructure surrounding women in science, it stated that a gender imbalance in decision-making about science policy is a common factor. The report noted that there is “considerable wastage of women’s skills and knowledge as a result of the ‘leaky pipeline’, whereby women drop out of scientific careers in disproportionate numbers at every level.” It also called for the integration of gender mainstreaming into policy and decision making in all areas.
Click here to download a copy of the Helsinki Report (PDF, 12.3MB)

2000

Science policies in the European Union: Promoting excellence through mainstreaming gender equality
The report, carried out by the ETAN Expert Working Group on Women in Science was commissioned by the European Commission. It highlighted numerous barriers which contribute to the relative absence of women from academic careers in science, particularly at the higher levels. The report detailed obstacles such as:

• poor work-life balance
• the ‘old boys network’
• a lack of objectivity in the peer-review system
• the gender pay gap